Feel Good Vegan Cherry Cheesecake Bars

As seen on

Ambitious Kitchen

Total Time

4 hours

Prep Time

4 hours

Rating

(2)

Ingredients

10 servings

For the crust:
1 cup pitted medjool dates
¾ cup raw almonds
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon melted virgin coconut oil
¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the filling:
1 ½ cups raw cashews
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup full fat coconut milk
1 ½ cups frozen dark sweet cherries, divided
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For the topping
2 tablespoons vegan dark chocolate chips

American Desserts Beginner Gluten-Free ...

How would you rate this recipe?

Preparation

Inline ingredients (beta)

Cook mode (keeps screen awake)

Click to complete

Step 1

Place cashews in a large bowl, then add 3 cups boiling water and let the cashews soak in the hot water for approximately 1 hour. Alternatively you can soak your cashews overnight in room temperature water so they are already ready to go. Once you are ready to use your cashews, be sure to drain them.

Step 2

Line an 8x4 or 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 3

Make the crust by adding the dates and almonds to the bowl of a food processor and process until chunky, then add in cocoa powder, coconut oil and sea salt.

Step 4

Process again until mixture is slightly clumps together into a ball. Add the mixture to the prepared pan pressing evenly towards the sides.

Step 5

Next make the filling: add (drained) cashews, maple syrup, vanilla, coconut milk, lemon juice and 1 cup frozen cherries to a high powered blender (such as a Vitamix); blend until smooth and creamy. If it is way too thick you can add another few tablespoons of coconut milk to help process.

Step 6

Pour ½ of the filling mixture over the crust. Add ½ cup frozen cherries over the filling layer. Top with remaining filling and smooth the top.

Step 7

Make the chocolate filling by adding chocolate chips to a small saucepan and placing over low heat; stir frequently until chocolate chips are completely melted. Alternatively you can microwave the chocolate chips in 30 second increments until smooth. Drizzle melted chocolate over filling.

Step 8

Place in freezer for 4-6 hours to harden. Once ready to serve cut into 10 bars. Enjoy! Bars will keep in freezer for up to a month if covered correctly.